Moving to a new place is a great, life-changing event, but the transition can be particularly difficult for seniors relocating from their homes. The stress of giving up their homes can be overwhelming, whether your loved one is moving due to the need for professional medical care or convenience. While there is no sure way to completely eliminate the worries and anxiety that come with this move, you can take steps to ease the transition for you and your loved one. Here are a few tips for a smooth transition to assisted living.
1. Explore different communities
The fear of the unknown can make moving to an assisted living community daunting for older adults and their families. Therefore, take time to research and visit different communities like The Variel in your area. This will help you understand each facility’s social surroundings, amenities, dining, and overall feel.
You can also plan a temporary respite care stay to allow everyone involved feel more confident and comfortable about the idea. The stay can allow you and your loved one to interrogate and find out whether a community is a good fit before moving in permanently. It can also help you get to know the community’s team and what to expect when your loved one becomes a resident.
2. Encourage your loved one to get involved
Seniors have numerous opportunities to get involved in fun social events and life enrichment activities soon after joining an assisted living community. Before move-in day, analyze the potential community calendar with your loved one and ask them to pick one or more activities to try.
Participating in social events and fun activities is a great way for your loved one to get to know their neighbors better, so spur them to take action. Your loved one is also more likely to settle in faster as they make new friends in the community, making their transition easier. Riverview Retirement Community, has dedicated social workers assigned to each resident and family to make the transition process even smoother.
3. Begin the downsizing process early
It might be appropriate to downsize depending on your loved one’s current home size. Downsizing can allow for greater freedom and benefit the mental health of everyone evolved by making them feel calmer and more in control. While it’s okay to sit by yourself and list the items you would like to bring to the new home, involve your loved one if it will help. Scrap, toss, and give away obvious things, such as old clothes and extraneous household stuff, that can take up space.
4. Bring in your loved one’s favorite items
Getting used to a new living environment requires time, but packing a few familiar items can help ease your loved one’s transition to assisted living. For instance, you can pick familiar colors and arrange the living space similar to their previous home. You can also prominently display their favorite family photos, decorative items, artwork, and souvenirs. Being meticulous about the small details can make a new, unfamiliar space feel more comfortable and like home.
Endnote
Moving and getting used to a new environment can be challenging. Fortunately, with these essential tips, you can help your elderly loved one’s transition to assisted living easy and smooth. People respond to situations differently, so always remember to keep in mind your parent’s needs and preferences.